The Zero-emissions Access Program (ZAP) grant provides funding for zero-emission carshare pilot programs. ZAP grants fund carshare pilot programs in underserved and low- to moderate-income communities that have limited access to public transportation or are in areas where emissions exceed state or federal standards.
Donor Name: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
State: Washington
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/17/2023
Size of the Grant: $50,000-$200,000
Grant Duration: 2 years
Details:
Goal
The ZAP grant’s goal is to expand access to clean-fuel transportation options and provide opportunities for zero-emission carshare programs in underserved communities where access to public transportation is less available.
Funding Information
- Available funding: WSDOT anticipates approximately $1.1 million in state funding for ZAP projects in the 2023-2025 biennium.
- Grant award amounts $50,000-$200,000 per project.
- Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Applicants may apply for more than one project. Each project requires a separate application.
Eligible Projects
Eligible project costs include:
- Third-party contract, lease, or purchase of zero-emission vehicles and charging equipment
- Construction or installation of zero-emission charging-station infrastructure for carshare
- Operational costs to develop, implement, and manage a zero-emission carshare program
New project proposals may include planning activities if the ZAP carshare program will be operating by July 1, 2024.
WSDOT strongly encourages applicants to design projects that maximize the accessibility of carshare vehicles and program materials. Applicants can prioritize access by:
- Choosing vehicles that meet the needs of the community
- Stationing vehicles in locations that promote safety and ease of use for all levels of ability
- Translating program materials and signage into languages that remove barriers to access
- Intentionally planning outreach and training activities for the specific needs of the community
- Creating paths to participation for community members without bank accounts, who have limited access to technology, or who otherwise face barriers to using the carshare
Property and assets bought with ZAP grant funds by non-government organizations must be used only for the carshare program. If the property or asset is sold, the proceeds must be used for the carshare program only. At the end of the ZAP-funded carshare, non-government organizations that wish to keep any property or asset purchased with state funds must reimburse the state the fair market value of the property or asset at that time.
Eligible Applicants
- This is a competitive grant application process open to Washington state nonprofit organizations or local governments. Local governments include cities, counties, housing authorities, ports, and public transit agencies in Washington state.
- 2021-2023 ZAP grant recipients may apply for funding to support the ongoing implementation of existing ZAP carshare programs.
- Applicants must have a demonstrated history of implementing or managing clean-fuel transportation and shared mobility pilot programs. Examples of experience may include implementing:
- Transportation services for shared users (e.g., carshare or rideshare programs)
- Micromobility programs for shared users (e.g., bike sharing)
- Free and reduced-fare programs
- Subcontracts with agencies that have provided clean-fuel transportation and shared mobility pilot programs for the community
- Installation of electric-vehicle infrastructure for community use
Evaluation Criteria
The selection committee will include both internal and external reviewers with subject-matter experts in clean-fuel transportation, shared-mobility programs, and environmental justice. The selection committee will evaluate applications in five categories:
- Community benefit
- Project implementation
- Community coordination
- Project team experience
- Viability beyond grant
For more information, visit WSDOT.
